Improvement in feathering paddle-wheels



UNITED STATES PATENT OEEICE.

FLETCHER FELTER, OF /PERTH AMBOY, NEW JERSEY.

IMPROVEMENT IN FEATHERING PADDLE-WHEELS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 11,992, dated November 28, 1854.

To all whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, FLETCHER FELTEE, of the town of Perth Amboy and countyof Middlesex, and State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Paddle-IVheels for Steam-Vessels, which in a great measure obviate the loss of power arising from backwater and from the oblique action of the ordinary radial paddle-wheel while entering the water; and the following specification is a full and fair description thereof.

In the drawings, Figure l represents an elevation of the wheel from one side thereof, one side of the wheel-house being removed. Fig. 2 is a section through the wheel and shaft. Fig. 3 is a development of one of the cams or camshaped stationary tracks.

The nature of my invention consists in applying a crank to each shaft or axle of each paddle in any one series, and in connecting said cranks by a rod whose ends revolve in close proximity to cams in the side of the Wheelhouse, whereby partial revolution is imparted to each paddle in the manner herein set forth.

In order to construct my wheel, I take a wheel-frame of any ordinary construction and apply a strong transverse bar from each radial arm to its opposite, said bar reaching across the wheel and having fastened upon or constructed in it as many journal-boxes as there may be paddles in a series. Upon the same radii of the wheel, but nearer its center, I apply another bar or its equivalent fitted with an equal number of journal-boxes. In these boxes are located shafts, upon which are mounted the oat-boards or paddles proper, and upon each shaft, nearer the center of the wheel than the inner edge of the float, is forged a crank.

All the cranks in a series are connected by a strong bar Whose extremities passoutside of each side of the wheel and travel upon two circular inclined planes attached to the wheelhouse. These inclined planes impart when the wheel revolves a vibrating motion to each rod, which in its turn rotates partially the cranks on the float-shafts, and by a proper form and arrangement of the inclined planes or surface-cams each series of iioats is caused to enter the water edgewise, turn' gradually so as to assume the best propelling position,

and then turn again so as to leave the water edgewise as it entered it.

Many other mechanical arrangements for revolving the floats might be used-as, for instance, a stationary drum surrounding the main shaft in cam-tracks on which the pins or wrists of cranks on the float-shaft might travel; but there would be great difculty in keeping such drum stationary, the wheelarms being in the way and cutting off any attachment. The float-shafts might also be revolved by a system of cog-gearing; but this plan would produce great complication, whereas by the plan above named great simplicity is attained and easy access is afforded to each working part.

I sometimes intend to attach friction-rollers to the ends of the vibrating rods; also to make the high parts of the inclined planes adj ust-- able, so as to Vary the position in which the paddles become oblique, and I also intend sometimes to support the high parts ofthe cams on strong springs, so that when the paddles strike ice or oating wood they may compress the springs and take the strain edgewise, thus avoiding breakage.

In the drawings, a a a represent the wheelfraxne; b, the main shafts; c c c, the outer oat-shaft journals; c) c cx, the inner journals; el ol d, the cranks; e c e, the vibratingrods; f ff, the floats, and g g the cam-tracks, the dotted lines giving an idea of their shape, and Fig. 3 showing a development thereof.

The journals, shafts, rods, and connections may be made in any ordinary manner.

Having thus described my invention, I claim- The combination of the cranked shafts with the vibrating rods and cam-shaped tracks in the wheel-house, whereby said partial rotation is attained in asimple manner, as herein set forth.

In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name on this 26th day of August, 1854.

FLETCHER FELTER.

In presence of- JOHN M. WEEKS, HENRY B. RENWICK. 

